Crafting Powerhouse Natalie Frazier Empowers Creatives, Artisans & Entrepreneurs

Natalie Jackson is a highly driven entrepreneur passionate about building a thriving community of successful female business owners who specialize in handmade products. She is the owner of The Frazier Stone Company and The Crafting District. She is also a business coach and the inventor of The Bead Boss Bead Board. Currently, Natalie is most passionate about scaling her company to increase her influence & impact in the crafting community. More specifically, She wants to help more small business owners successfully develop and grow their businesses to new heights.

The one word that best describes Natalie is RESILIENT. Over time she has proven to herself that any setback or hurdle gives her an opportunity to problem-solve, learn something new and then move forward again. Like many business owners, she has experienced challenges in her entrepreneurial journey. “But I do not quit,” Natalie says.

“I have accepted that being a business owner will come with challenges, so I am already mentally prepared to face those challenges. My mindset is that those challenges are only temporary and will not prevent me from reaching my goals.”

Below, Today’s Purpose Woman continues the conversation with Natalie.

Tell us about The Crafting District:

The Crafting District is an online store that has grown a community of loyal jewelry artisans and crafters from around the globe with our selection of high-quality products, exceptional services, classes and events. The company started by providing the most exquisite gemstone beads and jewelry making supplies for artisans but has since expanded to include supplies for those who make sublimation products and glitter tumblers. We have plans to continue to expand so that eventually we will be a one-stop shop for makers of all kinds of crafts. More details about The Crafting District can be found by visiting our website at www.thecraftingdistrict.com.

What is the story behind how you got started in the crafting industry?

I got started in this industry in 2012 when I repaired a bracelet my mother purchased for me. It broke so I decided to try and fix it myself, which I was able to do after conducting some research. I enjoyed doing that so much that I started making beaded gemstone jewelry and eventually started my first jewelry business called Frazier Stone Jewelry. Over the years, I grew my social media following by sharing pictures of my pieces; attracting customers and fellow jewelry artisans alike. One day, I decided to sell some of my bead stash because I was moving and needed to downsize my collection. I took to social media and my fellow artisans bought my stash with such excitement that I decided I would find them more gemstones that they could purchase. This led to creating another business where I became a bead supplier to artisans. In an effort to connect with them and give back to my loyal customers, I had an event where jewelry artisans could all come together to fellowship, create and learn new skills. Eventually, we started including workshops for other crafts. Now, The Crafting District is an emerging powerhouse in the crafting world as the culmination of all of this work.

What is the biggest challenge that most jewelry artisans experience in business?

One of the biggest challenges jewelry artisans experience is developing their own style in a saturated market. In such a tight knit community, it is easy for artisans to be influenced by what other artisans are creating. Some artisans may find themselves recreating the work of other artisans (consciously and subconsciously). It is important that jewelry artisans work to develop their own signature style. This may take time but it is necessary so that one’s jewelry stands out.

How does your brand impact the lives of others?

Over the years I have connected with jewelry artisans and crafters who began making things as a way to cope with stress, grief, loss and depression. For many, it is a creative outlet and a form of self-care and for others it is a way to assert financial independence. As a creative, I share my own experiences and knowledge with other makers to support their creative processes and business development.

I develop relationships with my customers because I want to empower them to feel confident in their ability to be successful in their entrepreneurial endeavors. In my coaching group, I work with women in various stages of business development from the absolute beginner to some who have been in business for years. Despite the differences in the years of experience, they all share that crafting has given them a level of empowerment and financial freedom that they had not experienced before. This is the core of my work and why I am passionate about continuing this journey.

What are you most proud of regarding your business?

During the pandemic, I fulfilled one of my dreams to transition my business into a warehouse. For years before this, I worked out of my home and as my business grew, the need for space grew. During the pandemic I took the leap and moved into a warehouse space. Not only have I used it to house the products that I sell, but I have also used it for special events and classes.